Located on the pristine shores of Nai Yang Beach, The Slate is a reimagination of the island’s tin-mining past, blending industrial aesthetics with lush tropical landscapes and Bensley’s signature storytelling.
The Slate is an ode to Phuket’s rich tin-mining heritage, which dates back centuries and was a key driver of the island’s early economic development. Rather than designing a conventional beach resort, Bensley drew inspiration from this historical industry, incorporating industrial materials, bold metallic accents, and a raw, rustic aesthetic throughout the property.
Bensley’s design is a masterclass in contrast—melding industrial chic with organic elements, polished surfaces with weathered textures, and contemporary lines with traditional Thai craftsmanship. The overall aesthetic is a fusion of steampunk sensibilities and tropical modernism.
A steampunk narrative is brought to life in Rivet Hall for a moody dining experience at The Slate Phuket.
The most striking aspect of the design is its use of industrial materials such as steel, concrete, rivets, and raw timber. The metal structures and exposed beams reference the machinery and tools of the tin-mining era, while oversized gears, metallic pipes, and repurposed mining equipment are woven into the décor.
Bensley balances these hard, mechanical features with Phuket’s lush tropical flora, incorporating expansive gardens, water features, and dense greenery throughout the property. Large trees and natural canopies soften the strong architectural lines, creating a seamless integration between built and natural environments.
The colour scheme is rich and moody, with deep blues, burnt oranges, and dark greys dominating the spaces. The use of hand-painted murals, bespoke artworks, and sculptures further enhances the resort’s uniqueness. Bensley collaborated with local artists to create pieces that reflect Phuket’s history, folklore, and craftsmanship, ensuring an authentic cultural touch in every corner.
The Slate Phuket’s signature Black Ginger restaurant celebrates traditional Thai architecture and can only be reached by hand-drawn raft.
The layout of the resort maximizes natural ventilation and open spaces. High ceilings, expansive glass walls, and wide verandas allow for unobstructed views of the gardens. The design embraces the tropical climate, encouraging indoor-outdoor living and providing guests with a constant connection to nature.
The rooms, suites, and villas reflect the same bold design language seen throughout the resort. Each accommodation features a mix of raw materials, custom-made furniture, and artful details that elevate the guest experience.
The accommodations are designed with a dramatic aesthetic. Oversized showers, outdoor bathtubs and handcrafted furniture pieces create a sense of indulgence. Many accommodations feature private pools, plunge baths, or large terraces that open into the surrounding gardens.
The pinnacle of the resort’s design is the Bensley Suite, which embodies his signature maximalist approach. This suite is adorned with intricate details, bold patterns, and statement décor that makes it feel more like an art installation than a typical hotel room.
The Nest treatment room at Coqoon Spa is wrapped around the trees, seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings.
The resort has multiple pools, each with a distinct character. Some feature dramatic black-tiled designs, reflecting the industrial aesthetic, while others are framed by verdant foliage and offer a more serene escape.
The dining spaces at The Slate are theatrical in their own right. Black Ginger, the resort’s signature Thai restaurant, is particularly striking—it is designed as a floating structure over a lagoon, accessed by a raft. Its dark wood interiors, lantern-lit ambiance, and traditional Thai architecture create an unforgettable dining experience.
The spa at The Slate is a softer contrast to the industrial aesthetic, incorporating organic shapes and natural materials. Inspired by a cocoon, the spa features treatment rooms nestled within pod-like structures, surrounded by tranquil gardens.
What sets The Slate apart from other luxury resorts is its commitment to narrative-driven design. Bensley’s approach is never about creating something merely beautiful—it is about storytelling through space, texture, and atmosphere. Every detail, from the metalwork to the choice of fabrics, contributes to the overarching theme of a reimagined tin-mining legacy.
The Coqoon Spa’s treatment rooms float among the trees, blending nature with luxury for a serene escape.
Bensley is known for his playful and unexpected design choices, and The Slate is no exception. Quirky sculptures, surreal art pieces, and unconventional furnishings keep the resort from feeling too polished or predictable. This sense of playfulness adds to the immersive experience, inviting guests to explore and engage with the space in a way that goes beyond traditional hospitality design.
The Slate Phuket is a testament to Bensley’s ability to blend history, culture, and contemporary luxury in a way that feels both extravagant and deeply personal. By drawing from Phuket’s tin-mining past, he has created a resort that is not just a place to stay but a living, breathing story. Through The Slate, Bensley has once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the most innovative designers in the world of luxury hospitality.
